By Emmanuel Buah

Formula One drivers Max Verstappen and Liam Lawson have both received one-place grid penalties following a controversial collision during second practice for the 2026 Mexico City Grand Prix.

The incident, which occurred on Friday, October 30, involved Red Bull's Verstappen and Racing Bulls driver Lawson as the pair battled for track position around the Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez.

Both drivers were also awarded one penalty point on their superlicence after race stewards ruled that their actions were unacceptable.

How the Collision Happened

The incident occurred around Turn 12 as Verstappen attempted to overtake Lawson on the approach to the stadium section.

Lawson refused to surrender his position and attempted to fight back through the following corners.

The two cars continued alongside each other before making contact, damaging both vehicles and scattering debris across the circuit.

Race control subsequently brought out the red flag to allow marshals to clear the debris and ensure the track was safe.

Although both drivers continued their practice programmes, the incident attracted significant attention from the paddock.

Verstappen Criticises Lawson

Following the session, Verstappen expressed frustration with Lawson's approach during the confrontation.

The four-time world champion suggested that the New Zealander should have handled the situation differently, particularly given the uncertainty surrounding his future at Racing Bulls.

Verstappen described Lawson's actions as poor judgement and questioned why he would risk such an incident during a practice session.

Lawson, however, offered a different account over team radio, accusing Verstappen of driving into him.

The disagreement highlighted the tension between the two drivers, who have previously shared a place within the wider Red Bull organisation.

FIA Stewards Issue Unusual Penalties

After reviewing video footage and hearing from both drivers, the stewards decided to impose one-place grid penalties on each competitor.

The decision was unusual because incidents during practice sessions generally result in warnings rather than sporting penalties.

However, the stewards explained that both drivers had behaved unacceptably, particularly after teams had already been warned about similar incidents.

Both Verstappen and Lawson admitted that their actions were unnecessary and clumsy.

The stewards also awarded each driver one penalty point.

Charles Leclerc Leads Mexico Practice

Away from the controversy, Ferrari's Charles Leclerc delivered an impressive performance by topping both Friday practice sessions.

McLaren's Lando Norris finished second in the afternoon session, while Mercedes driver George Russell secured third.

Kimi Antonelli, who is closing in on the 2026 drivers' championship, finished fourth in the second session.

Verstappen ended the session fifth, while Lawson finished ninth.

The collision therefore adds another layer of uncertainty ahead of Saturday's qualifying session and Sunday's Grand Prix.

What Happens Next?

Both drivers will lose one position on Sunday's starting grid after qualifying determines their original positions.

The Mexico City Grand Prix is scheduled for Sunday, November 1, at the Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez.

The incident has also renewed questions about Lawson's future at Racing Bulls, with the team yet to confirm its driver line-up for the 2027 season.

For Verstappen, the penalty represents an unnecessary setback in a weekend where every championship point could prove important.

The big question: Was this simply a racing misunderstanding, or did Verstappen and Lawson allow their rivalry to go too far?

RACE WEEKEND DETAILS

  • Competition: Formula One World Championship

  • Event: 2026 Mexico City Grand Prix

  • Circuit: Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez

  • Incident: Friday, October 30, 2026

  • Drivers involved: Max Verstappen and Liam Lawson

  • Penalty: One-place grid drop each

  • Additional punishment: One penalty point each

  • Friday practice leader: Charles Leclerc

  • Race date: Sunday, November 1, 2026

Sources: Formula 1 official website, FIA stewards' decision and Reuters.